Supporters of the sainthood cause of Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen and any who hold him close to their hearts are invited to a celebration next month of the 114th anniversary of the birth of the Diocese of Peoria’s famous native son.

The Archbishop Fulton John Sheen Foundation is also offering relics of Archbishop Sheen to encourage prayers for his canonization and devotion to him.

The Sheen Foundation, which educates people about Sheen’s life and values and promotes his sainthood cause, will throw him a birthday party on Friday, May 8.

The event begins with a Mass for Archbishop Sheen at 7:15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. After Mass will be the birthday party, “An Evening of Conversation with Archbishop Sheen,” at the Spalding Pastoral Center.

Champagne and desserts will be served at the gathering, which will feature a display of treasured items from his life, as well as personal stories from people who knew or were touched in their lives by Archbishop Sheen.

“We will have Sheen family members, or friends of Bishop Sheen or people who knew him, to speak about their memories of him,” said Msgr. Stanley Deptula, executive director of the Archbishop Sheen Foundation.

Reservations for the party are $50 per person and are due Wednesday, April 15. To make a reservation, call (309) 671-1550 or send a check payable to the Archbishop Sheen Foundation to the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

While the Sheen Foundation prepares for Sheen’s 114th birthday, it also began this month to make second class relics of Archbishop Sheen available to his devotees.

A first class relic is a part of the body of a person who has been canonized or has an open cause of canonization. A second class relic is an item that was owned, used or worn by that person.

The relic cards are offered free of charge, but a $1 donation is requested to cover the costs of printing, handling and shipping. Those who would like a card are asked to limit one card per request, although larger amounts can be made available for priests or institutions.

For a relic card, call Jane Peverly at the Sheen Foundation at (309) 671-1550, ext. 249, or send e-mail to jpeverly@cdop.org, or write to her at P.O. Box 728, Peoria, IL 61762-0728.